Court orders exhumation of bodies in Malindi's Binzaro Village amid cult fears

A court in Malindi has granted permission to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to exhume several bodies believed to be buried in shallow graves in Binzaro Village on the outskirts of Malindi town.

Resident Magistrate Irene Thamari issued the order directing the Chief Government Pathologist to oversee the exhumation and conduct forensic post-mortem examinations, including DNA and toxicology tests, to determine the cause of death.

The application was presented by State Counsel Judy Gachuru, who told the court that detectives suspect the deaths may have resulted from starvation and suffocation, linked to radical religious practices.

According to an affidavit filed by the DCI, investigations indicate that the victims may have died in a case of extreme cultic indoctrination, where followers were reportedly denied food and medical attention.

Survivors rescued from the area were reportedly unable to account for the whereabouts of several children, prompting fears that more victims may be buried within the area.

“There are grounds to believe that numerous shallow graves exist where bodies were concealed,” read the DCI’s affidavit, which also noted inconsistencies in statements given by those rescued from the area.

Eleven individuals have so far been named as key suspects under investigation for their alleged involvement in organised crime, radicalisation, aiding terrorism, and murder.

Those under scrutiny include Jairus Otieno Odere, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Loice Zawadi, Safari Kenga Nzai, Karisa Gona Fondo, Gona Charo Kalama, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, James Kahindi, and Sharleen Temba Anido.

The court also instructed the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Malindi and the Officer Commanding Lango Baya Police Station to provide adequate security during the exhumation process.

Additionally, the Public Health Officer in Malindi was tasked with ensuring that health and safety protocols are followed throughout the exercise, and that the exhumed bodies are preserved at Malindi Sub-County Hospital for post-mortem and further forensic analysis.